On friendship and being all in

“I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”

-Jon Katz

I love this quote. I’m so blessed to have these type of friends. I have some from childhood, from high school, from college, early motherhood days, new friends, those I’ve met online and never in person as well as those I’ve met online and they’ve become like family. You can ask most of them, when I go into a friendship, I go all in. Because I don’t know how to love a friend with a half heart. It’s not always fun. But it is always worth it. I’ve been reconnecting with some older friends lately. It’s been good for me to remember who I was because honestly it’s who I still am. I just sometimes need to be reminded. I have been talking more frequently with one of my very dearest friends from high school and it’s been filled with laughter and reminiscing. He gave me a much needed gift. I saw myself through his eyes. He held up a mirror that was more accurate than the broken, warped, and twisted one I’ve been seeing myself in. It’s made a difference.

Anyway, all that to say, if you have a friend you love & value, don’t let them slip away. Don’t be too ____ for them. (busy, tired, withdrawn) I know I’ve been guilty of that. Especially lately. I’m no different from anyone else. I have doctors appointments etc. Of course, not being a working woman and being at home all day I always worry about calling at the wrong time (which I usually do) but I know I get to the point of being paranoid that I’m annoying and that is harmful, too.

Anyway, like I’ve said and anyone who’s been in the line of fire when it comes to me being all in with friendship, I’ll fight for you. Probably long after I should have let go. I don’t give up. I stick. My friends are my people. My tribe. They are my life glue. I need my people. So make no mistake, even if I’m hurt, I’ll never give up. Ever.

Sorry it took me so long to see this, but you know what? Another thing that I’ve learned about the people that are truly our people? We’re able to overlook the occasional lapse because it’s too important to let go.